Introduction: Colorectal Cancer

An immense burden is associated with cancer worldwide. This is especially evident among citizens of developing countries. A case in point is that approximately 500,000 women develop cervical cancer each year worldwide, resulting in 250,000 deaths, and 80% of this cancer occurs in developing countries. Many factors, including socio-economic status, cultural perception of malignant conditions, the cost of anticancer chemotherapy, and the paucity of radiation and hospital facilities, (i.e., cancer screening), insufficient transmission of oncology-related information, and, most importantly, inadequate diet, are responsible for the suffering among those in the developing world. Although efforts are being undertaken by private organizations and institutions for reducing the burden of cancer in developing countries, it is evident that governments of developed countries could do much more to address the problem.

Because significant improvements in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases have occurred, cancer will become the leading cause of death in many parts of the world. In addition, cancer will remain a major health problem, as population aging continues in many countries and elderly persons are more susceptible to this form of malignancy. Approximately, 60% of cancer incidence and 70% of cancer mortality occur among older adults (65 years and older). Unfortunately, it should be noted that cancer care for frail older adults has been mostly unrepresented in clinical trials.